That’s how long he’s been away, crafting and creating a new and satisfying space that represents everything that is now, while hinting, just a little, at where he’s headed. Armed with his first full-length album in close on half a decade, Inside represents the in-demand soundscaper and music maker – firing on all cylinders – happily and confidently confirming his worth as the multiple award-winner he is… one hit project and album at atime.

Hot on the heels of Mzansi Magic’s Clash Of The Choirs’ inaugural season earlier in the year, RJ Benjamin accepted a second invitation as musical director to season nine of Idols South Africa that commences this September. “I have a passion to enhance what musicians make and support the industry we all play in,” he says. “I came into the business more than a decade ago and I intend building my credibility b ydelivering quality that points to a long term career, rather than simply being a flash-in-the-pan.”

An Allenby Campus graduate back at the turn of the millennium, RJ stayed on, as a then 22year-old teacher who today can claim the likes of Elvis Blue and Robin Kohl as just two ofthe many who passed through his classroom during his tenure at the now sadly defunct school.

Between teaching RJ found time to shimmy up and befriend the inner sanctum of the hip-hop and dance fraternity sufficient to begin a career that’s entrenched and growing still. “My diary is my songbook,” he says. “I write songs in the same way diaries and blogs are filled.”

Where Danny K’s popular, RJ Benjamin is referenced, invited and embraced by every critical genre;record label and artist keen to push the boundaries of their original idea.Teacher, writer and producer RJ’s credibility comes from more than 10 years of mining and polishing and giving it; “some of that” as he affectionately put it.“I’ve have, through collaborations, song writing, performing and teaching built a space that affords me the opportunity work for myself today, on my own terms, and only when I choose to.”

Black and white he isn’t – RJ Benjamin is the full spectrum and every facet in-between. Vocalist, composer, songwriter, producer and teacher he successfully blends soul, pop, hip-hop and funk and house music into scintillating songs. His creative magic has redefined the R&B and neo-soul perspective in the South African music industry where his talent and insight continues to influence and enrich every project he works on.

Not withoutcontroversy, RJ’s challenged the system over the years, becoming despondentwith the music industry and even taking a break from recording and performingfor a while. Yet, music runs in his veins, and RJ returned in Februarywith Inside, one of the coolest, mostsophisticated albums to have come out Mzansi yet.

…Cont.

In 2004 hereleased his groundbreaking Ghetto Ruff debut album, Who Am I, which marked him as South Africa’s brightest new soulstar. The critically acclaimed album featured collaborations with TamaraDey, Ishmael, HHP and Pitch Black Afro. RJ produced the majority of thealbum, while 37mph and Bongani Fassie lent their skills as collaboratingproducers.

His 2008 release,Swimming In The Soul Of Music,represented a more sophisticated artist, and showed off the hard work he’dpoured into his craft. The musician had focused his musical roots andinfluences of soul, jazz and funk and created and album that with hindsightrepresented a time better than it did its maker’s real ambition. That said RJwon the award for Best RnB Album at the Metro FM Awards later that same year.

In 2009 RJrecorded Change The World with SoulCandi. His inviting vocals and inspirational message seduced the nationand teased the ecosphere. An instant hit and anthem on radio stations anddance floors all over the South Africa, the track received both a Channel O andSAMA nomination for Best Dance Video and Song of the Year respectively. Ironically, the song did actually change RJ’s world – the soul star had inadvertentlyintroduced himself to South Africa’s house audience… and they couldn’t getenough! “I dabbled in house, and tinkered with dance, but I know now where myreal ability, love and contribution lies,” he says. “I enjoyed my time inhouse, but my heart wasn’t in it. That was when I realised my calling is insupporting housemasters and mistresses, rather than leading. With each artist Ihave the privilege and pleasure of working with, each grows my frame of referenceand that’s good for everyone.”

Following thehuge success of Change the World, RJreleased the album House Bound thatshowcased his vocal and writing skills and his house flirtation that ultimatelyreturned him to his RnB and soul roots and core sensibility.

With Inside RJ has embarked on something entirelyoriginal. He has, after a three year, self-imposed sabbatical, effectivelyremixed and “soulified” house tracks featured on his House Bound album, as well as popular house tracks RJ featured onwith Dr Duda, DJ Kent and DJ Fresh. Insideis a reminder to people of his artistic versatility. In RJ’s words, “I’vetaken 13 house tracks that I’ve sung on over past five years and re-interpretedthem in a way I felt like taking them.”

“My housecuriosity has been transformed into funk, soul, rock, flamenco, samba, jazz andvarious other styles that may be a little hard to describe, suffice to say I’mloving every minute if it!” he concludes. Cosy up, engage and get to grips withInside. And while you’re delighted,expect to see and hear it contents live, across the country in the monthsahead. Never one to rest on his laurels, RJ live will only and surely be toppedby the next exciting chapter that’s being written as you read this. Expect white-knucklebrilliance because that’s all RJ Benjamin knows to create.